Name: Best Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6-7 medium fresh tomatoes; 2 whole garlic bulbs; 1 large onion; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon fresh basil or thyme (chopped); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Creamy, rich, and brimming with layers of flavor, this Best Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup is everything you want in a comforting bowl. Slow-roasted garlic lends a mellow sweetness, while juicy tomatoes caramelize into deep umami perfection. Swirled together with cream and fresh herbs, each spoonful is a cozy invitation to slow down and savor.

Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a warm hug in a bowl, this soup elevates the classic tomato base with aromatic herbs and velvety texture. Whether served with crusty sourdough or a gooey grilled cheese sandwich, it’s a dish that satisfies both nostalgia and gourmet cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Best Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup

Deeply Flavorful: Roasting the garlic and tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and creates a rich, complex base.
Velvety Texture: The final blend is ultra-smooth, thanks to cream and a good puree.
Customizable: Add red pepper flakes for heat, basil for freshness, or a swirl of pesto for a gourmet touch.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Comfort in a Bowl: It’s cozy, satisfying, and pairs perfectly with your favorite bread or sandwich.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

Sheet Pan: A large rimmed baking sheet is crucial for roasting the tomatoes, garlic, and onions evenly without crowding. It allows caramelization that deepens the flavor.
High-Speed Blender or Immersion Blender: For that perfectly creamy finish, a blender is non-negotiable. It transforms the chunky roast into a luxurious soup.
Heavy-Bottomed Soup Pot: This helps prevent burning and ensures even heating when you simmer everything together.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: Prepping ingredients is smoother and safer with a sharp knife.
Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper: Useful for wrapping garlic during roasting to mellow and sweeten its flavor.

Preparing this soup is as much about technique as it is about ingredients. Roasting builds the foundation of flavor, and the tools help you extract every bit of goodness from them.

Ingredients for the Best Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup

Fresh Tomatoes: The heart of the recipe. Roasting them concentrates their natural sweetness and adds depth.
Garlic Bulbs: Roasted garlic becomes soft, buttery, and mellow, adding a rich base note.
Onion: Adds savory undertones that balance the acidity of tomatoes.
Olive Oil: For roasting and sautéing; enhances caramelization.
Vegetable Broth: Helps create a silky soup without overpowering the fresh tomato flavor.
Heavy Cream: Adds that luscious creamy texture and rounds out acidity.
Fresh Basil or Thyme: Infuses the soup with aromatic herbal tones.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
Optional: Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds a lovely kick if desired.

How To Make the Best Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange halved tomatoes, halved onions, and whole garlic bulbs (cut side up) on a baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Wrap garlic in foil and roast everything for about 35-40 minutes, until caramelized.

Step 2: Simmer the Base

Transfer roasted tomatoes and onions to a soup pot. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

Using an immersion blender or transferring carefully to a high-speed blender, blend the mixture until completely smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add Cream and Herbs

Return to the pot, stir in heavy cream, chopped basil or thyme, and let it simmer on low for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle into bowls and garnish with a swirl of cream, extra herbs, or roasted cherry tomatoes if you have them. Serve hot with a crusty slice of bread.

Serving and Storing This Soup

Serve this roasted garlic tomato soup with a side of grilled cheese, a crusty baguette, or even a handful of croutons. It makes a comforting appetizer or a light main meal.

For storing, let the soup cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just leave the cream out before freezing and add it when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this soup vegan?

Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a creamy cashew blend. Also, ensure your broth is vegan.

Can I use canned tomatoes?

Absolutely. While fresh roasted tomatoes give the best flavor, good-quality canned whole tomatoes can be used in a pinch. Roast them briefly in the oven for added depth.

What’s the best way to reheat it?

Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Avoid boiling after cream is added.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Is it spicy?

Not by default, but you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.

What herbs work best in this recipe?

Fresh basil is the classic pairing, but thyme or oregano also work beautifully.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you love this Best Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup, check out these delicious creations:

Hearty Italian Sausage Soup for a rich and filling bowl.
Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup with bold flavors.
Authentic Tom Kha Gai Soup for a coconut-infused Thai favorite.
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque if you’re craving creamy seafood.
Minimal Ingredient Creamy Garlic Chicken for another quick creamy dish.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add red pepper for spice or a swirl of pesto on top? Did you go all-in with grilled cheese?

I love seeing how you all put your spin on these recipes. Don’t hesitate to share your versions or ask questions. Let’s keep cooking better, together!